Chatter That Matters

New Miami Northwestern Senior High School football coach Eddie “Rabbit” Brown feels the Bulls will see a marked improvement from last year’s 5-5 record and come out on the winning side this football season. As I observed Brown and his staff and the enthusiasm of the players, it reminded me of the 1946 Thanksgiving at the “Dust Bowl” when the Bulls defeated the BTW Tornados 2-0.

Even the stormy weather did not disrupt the practice and it never deterred 45-minutes of a grueling scrimmage.

Dr. Richard Strachan

Captain Marcus Williams reminded me of Teddy Bridgewater, a former quarterback who put Louisville on the map and had the opportunity to overwhelm BTW and Central, both rivals.

It’s amazing that Northwestern set a Miami-Dade County record with 19-consecutive playoff trips from 1992 to 2010. Brown arrived here in April and feels certain believes the Bulls can be just as good. Brown is positive he can guide the Bulls back to that championship level “I wouldn’t have come if we cannot go back to that level,” he said. “This is the West!” Brown has some great staff, such as Quincy Wood former coach at Dillard and Caleb Crosby, a long-time helper. The proof is in the pudding and we will all know when Northwestern plays Hialeah Mater Academy, Friday Aug. 29.

Speaking of football, Bethune-Cookman University will open its season against Florida International University, August 30. For BCU Alumni, a pre dance is on Friday August 29 at the Miami Hilton Airport. Call 305-609-7500 for more information. A tailgate party will start at high noon at FIU Stadium, while the headquarters is the Miami Hilton Airport 3900 NW 21 Street. So get your hotel reservations in advance and you will also find Omega Psi Phi fraternity members taking care of business along with other fraternity and sorority members who will be on the scene.

Naismith inductees to the Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, last Friday, included basketball’s elite at Springfield Mass., as well as the top-notch speakers that gave the audience a thrill from years of their experiences. Inductees were David Stern, Gary Williams, Nolan Richardson, Mitch Richmond, coach Bob “Slick” Leonard, Indiana Pacers, and the late Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton. One of the most dynamic speeches came from Alonzo Mourning. He kissed his sons, his wife, and daughter, while he thanked his wife for 17-years of a blissful marriage. He went on to thank his cousin, Jason Cooper, for donating his kidney to him, which allowed him to continue his basketball career and win a championship with the Heat. He took the time to thank his foster mom who raised him, the doctors in the operating room and the many people who made the trip to the ceremony.